Dance in the Rain

Stay in the Present

Stop Waiting

Make now the focus of full attention

Returning to the Breath

When we become familiar with a process, we tend to use it again and again, perhaps because we feel comfortable.

Thinking is a multi-faceted process which can support us or get in the way. What's comfortable is not always best.

Mindful Presence is an amazingly simple process which can disrupt the pattern of unhelpful processes. It sets us in the present moment where whatever is happening "is Ok" and acceptable.

It does not matter what we are thinking or feeling, we just accept it as Ok and gently return to focusing on the breath. Even if there is turbulance and tribulation in our mind and feelings, and it may seem overpowering. All  we have to do is accepts that this is what is happening and it's ok returning gently to the focus point of breath.

The Sugarloaf is always Present

I can see the Sugarloaf Mountain from my window.

Sometimes it disappears from my view under the clouds coming in from the west or the sea mist coming from the east.

Through the many challenges of the Irish weather, the Sugarloaf always returns, though hidden it is always present

Today

"Only two days exist in the year

in which you can do nothing

One is called yesterday and the other tomorrow.

So today is the ideal day 

to love, to grow, to do and

principally to live"

Dalai Lama

Distractions

"The sights and sounds of the world are not our enemies. They don't have to be perceived as distractions. They can be part of the field of your awareness, or like birdsong in the background. Distraction only comes with forgetfulness, the absence of mindfulness"

Thich Nhat Hanh; "Making Space: Creating a Home Meditation Practice"

Stopping, calming, looking deeply

"Everything we see and experience is coloured by our perceptions. Many of the perceptions we have about ourselves  and about others are wrong perceptions. With stopping, calming, and looking deeply, we can break through our preconceived ideas 

Thich Nhat Hanh; "Making Space: Creating a Home Meditation Practice"